Who's got the edge? Sunday, November 22, 1998
Quarterbacks
Baltimore: Jim Harbaugh just isn't what he was during his "Captain Comeback" days in Indianapolis. Ravens should use Bengal-killer Eric Zeier.
Cincinnati: Paul Justin has the makings of a decent player. But he's operating behind an inconsistent line and possibly without Darnay Scott.
EDGE: Even
Running backs
Baltimore: Bengals made Priest Holmes look like an elite back. His performance since that Sept. 27 game has proven he's far from being one.
Cincinnati: Corey Dillon worked furiously to gain 66 yards on 21 carries last week at Minnesota. He'll have a huge day one of these weeks.
EDGE: Bengals
Wide receivers - tight ends
Baltimore: From one speedster (Randy Moss) to another (Jermaine Lewis) for Cincinnati. Lewis, Michael Jackson and Eric Green are proven Bengal tormentors.
Cincinnati: Bengals will miss Scott, rated doubtful at presstime, who usually thrives against Ravens. Expect Justin to try to involve Pickens early.
EDGE: Ravens
Offensive line
Baltimore: Something's wrong. The Ravens allowed only nine sacks in their first five games, but have permitted 23 in the last five.
Cincinnati: Something's wrong. The Bengals are on pace to allow 56 sacks, their most since 1979 - the year before Anthony Munoz arrived.
EDGE: Ravens
Special teams
Baltimore: Lewis should be an AFC Pro Bowl representative as a punt returner if he doesn't make the squad as a receiver.
Cincinnati: For once, no problems last week. But Lee Johnson must avoid punting down the middle of the field to Lewis.
EDGE: Ravens
Defensive line
Baltimore: Michael McCrary has 12ï sacks this season, first in the AFC and third in the league, giving him 33 sacks in his last 32 games.
Cincinnati: The Bengals WISH they had a McCrary. Somehow they must apply fierce pressure to compensate for injury-weakened secondary.
EDGE: Ravens
Linebackers
Baltimore: Peter Boulware and Ray Lewis, both 23, and Jamie Sharper, a day short of turning 24, are as good as they are young.
Cincinnati: Rookies Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons continue to improve weekly. But they're not in Baltimore's class - yet.
EDGE: Ravens
Defensive backs
Baltimore: Look out, Bengals. Rod Woodson's seven career interceptions against Cincinnati are his most against any team.
Cincinnati: Ashley Ambrose's knee injury severely weakens the Bengals, who'll be hampered if Artrell Hawkins' ankle bothers him.
EDGE: Ravens
Coaching
Baltimore: Ted Marchibroda seems like he wouldn't harm a fly, which might be why the firing rumors keep buzzing around his head.
Cincinnati: Good move by Bruce Coslet to try Justin at quarterback. Nothing to lose now; why not give him a shot?
EDGE: Bengals
The winner
Justin's presence makes it tempting to pick the Bengals. But the last few weeks and the injuries erase all doubts.
Ravens 24, Bengals 20.
Nomad Justin gets start
